Modern workplace design is trending towards more open floor plans to facilitate collaboration and meet the rising interest in shared-office spaces. But what happens when an employee craves a little privacy? While many of us do enjoy bouncing ideas off one another and soliciting input, others prefer a more quiet, isolated environment. How can architects and designers accommodate both needs in a single space?

Mobile dividers and furniture are two options for allowing an office or workplace to have a flexible floor plan while still providing private recesses for their workers.

Mobile dividers. Traditionally, offices have used cubicle spaces to delineate private work and meeting areas. The problem with these, besides their wall-like appearance, is that they are fairly permanent, which locks the office into a limited configuration. Mobile dividers can be used in the same way but can be put up, taken down, or re-situated depending on the company’s needs. There are plenty of options, from portable room dividers to curtain panels that can be let down or tied back.

High-backed furniture. High-backed couches and chairs are another option for creating a private work or meeting space without committing to permanent architectural design elements. Whether employees use a high-backed chair, to drown out surrounding sound, focus their perspective, or to take a private call, or use couches for a one-on-one meeting, this style of furniture is another way to add versatile privacy to a work space.

The Library Chair by Michael Sodeau for Modus. Source: media.designerpages.com